Aniracetam (Draganon, Sarpul, Ampamet, Memodrin, Referan, and systematically as N-anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone) is a nootropic agent belonging to the racetam family of drugs.[1][2] Although it is one of the first known and synthesized derivatives of piracetam, its research and efficacy in humans is limited.

Aniracetam is readily available and sold through online vendors as a dietary supplement in the United States. Dosages are nearly fifteen times those of noopept, making it less potent while offering comparable benefit.

Supplementation of aniracetam tends to be in the dosage range of 800-2500mg taken over the course of a day,[3] either in two to three evenly spread dosing periods, such as three doses of 400mg or 800mg.

Aniracetam has protected against scopolamine-induced amnesia both in rat populations and in human populations, suggesting it can aid recovery from deliriant intoxication and other typically cognitively impaired states by preserving adequate levels of acetylcholine as a primary mechanism.[4][5]

Chemistry

Aniracetam is a pyrrolidinone compound of the racetam family, and has an additional anisoyl ring with a methoxy group at the lone para position. (replacing the amine group of piracetam) with an O-methoxy group on the furthest binding point. Its structure is dissimilar to that of oxiracetam (which is quite similar to piracetam) and pramiracetam (a fairly unique structure) Aniracetam is related structurally to nefiracetam.[6]

Pharmacology

Aniracetam is thought to increase acetylcholine release within hippocampal cells.[7] As acetycholine is involved in the function of memory, this could potentially account for its nootropic effects.

In addition, aniracetam has been shown to modulate AMPA receptors,[8] GABAergic neurotransmission,[9] and dopaminergic neurotransmission.[10]

Subjective effects

In comparison to the effects of other racetam nootropics such as noopept, this compound can be described as focusing primarily on physical stimulation over that of cognitive stimulation.
The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWikicontributors. These effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances of inducing a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

Experience reports

Toxicity and harm potential

Several studies suggest that this substance is safe even when high doses are consumed for a long period of time.[11] although it is worth noting that the exact toxic dosage is unknown. Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried aniracetam within the community suggest that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this drug at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly. However, nothing can be completely guaranteed.

Despite its presumed safety, it is still strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Lethal dosage

The median lethal dosage (LD50) of aniracetam has not been officially published as it has low abuse potential, but is not known to be harmful in its recommended dosage.

Tolerance and addiction potential

The chronic use of aniracetam can be considered as non-addictive with a low potential for abuse. It does not seem to be capable of causing psychological dependence among users, although this fact has not been confirmed or supported by clinical studies.
Tolerance to many of the effects of aniracetam develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Aniracetam may presents cross-tolerance with all racetamnootropics, meaning that after the consumption of aniracetam certain nootropics such as noopept and piracetam may have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can quickly become harmful and even life-threatening when taken with other substances. The following section lists some known dangerous combinations, but it may not include all of them. Furthermore, a combination that seems to be harmless in low doses can still greatly increase the risk of injury or death when the doses are slightly increased. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some interactions listed have been sourced from Tripsit.
Aniracetam showed nonselective MAOI activity in a rat study.[12][13] Aniracetam and MAOIs are a potentially dangerous combination. It is likely that MAOIs could increase the effects of aniracetam unpredictably. Taking this chemical while on prescription MAOIs is strongly discouraged.